For years, Clay Potter’s been friends and workout partners with Ronnie. Though Clay is attracted, he’s never come on to Ronnie because, let’s face it, Ronnie only dates women.

When Clay’s father suffers a heart attack, Ronnie, having recently lost his dad, springs into action, driving Clay to the hospital over a hundred miles away. To stay close to Clay’s father, the men share a hotel room near the hospital, but after an emotional day, one thing leads to another, and straight-as-an-arrow Ronnie make a proposal that knocks Clay’s socks off! Just a little something to take the edge off.

Clayton responds in a way he’s never considered. After an amazing night together, Clay expects Ronnie to ignore what happened between them and go back to his old life. Ronnie surprises him and seems interested in additional exploration. Though they’re friends, Clay suddenly finds it hard to accept the new Ronnie. Maybe they both have a thing or two to learn.

What made you want to write a “gay for you” story, and is it really a GFY romance? Hmm?

No. I don’t write Gay for You. This story is really more of a Bi for you story. The love interest has always dated women, but he’s adventurous and discovers another side of himself. The story is about Ronnie learning to accept and relish that part of himself along with being able to live openly with another man. This story is really about Ronnie and Clay taking a journey together that will involve building trust and understanding because while Ronnie is learning to understand an attraction to men, Clay needs to figure out if a life with Ronnie is what he wants and if he can trust that Ronnie won’t go back to his old ways.

People are complex and so is sexuality. I wanted to write a story that seemed real to me. Gay for you is a romantic notion that I don’t think is realistic. I do believe that life is a journey, so sexuality can also be a journey. In this story, Ronnie and Clay go on a very interesting one.

Ronnie led the way to the elevators and then down to the main floor. The hospital was a maze of departments and halls that went on forever, intersecting with others that also seemed to go as far as the eye could see. We didn’t talk, and as my nerves ramped up, I moved faster and faster. Ronnie kept up with me until sweat broke out on the back of my neck. Then I slowed and stopped, wondering where in the hell I was.

“Let’s head back. We’re on the other side of the hospital,” Ronnie told me. He turned and led me back. “You know, whatever happens, it’s going to be okay. I bellyache sometimes, and I miss my dad, but it will be okay.” Ronnie stopped walking and turned to me. “After the funeral there were times when I wanted to die. I thought about taking my own life more than once.” He blinked a few times, and I yanked him into a hug, cradling his head in my hands. I expected him to pull away, but he held me back. “It was the meds and the OCD going overboard. I know that now, but I felt like I couldn’t go on.”

“But you could. We were all there for you. I was there.”

“You were, and I remember you coming over, watching television with me.”

“You were in bed, and I….”

“You lay next to me for hours. We didn’t talk, just watched television.”

“As I remember it was car racing or something.” I released him and stepped back.

“I knew that day that you loved me,” Ronnie said, and I stiffened. Had I been so transparent? “You’re my good friend, and I love you for that. I found out who my true friends were after my dad died.”

“I know.” I’d seen him cut people out of his circle after that. They just seemed to disappear.

Ronnie began walking again. He didn’t talk, and for that I was grateful. Some time alone with my thoughts was appreciated, but too much would drive me out of my mind. We reached the elevator and took it back up to the ICU floor.

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

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Mistress Anya

Homo-Erotic Romance Author, Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud pansexual genderfluid whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what they couldn’t – defy the hate and come out. He has been their hero ever since. A hopeless romantic who loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters, Tempeste counts their friends, family, and Muse as their greatest blessings in life.

Tempe’s preferred pronouns are they/them/their/theirs/themselves.

1 comment

I’m not too crazy about GFY or in this case BiFU stories, but in this case, I mean, it’s Andrew who wrote it and not one of the books I’ve read by him have let me down. Looking forward to reading this one as well.
Congratulations, Andrew, and much success!